This evening presentation, a
gathering of the Castle Bytham Spirit Circle, took place in the ever convivial
atmosphere of the Castle Inn of that village. The evening was hosted by the
landlord, that well-known and affable personality, Eamonn Loughran.
Castle Bytham itself is a
quaint country village nestling deep in the Lincolnshire countryside. The
village is rather isolated but it is all the more beautiful for that. Spread as
it is across a valley and a steep hillside, it is dominated from the plain by
the remains of a castle mound of Norman origin, the village has a relaxed
atmosphere mixed with an odour of history.
Due to the distance required
in travel, I chose to rent the rather pleasant Glen Cottage in the village and
so make a weekend of the outing. The cottage was clean, pleasant and
affordable. The owners were welcoming and helpful. Making a weekend of the trip
meant I was able to spend time with friends, including Mr Loughran himself, a
gentleman I had not seen in the flesh for far too long and therefore enjoy the
excellent food at the Castle itself.
The evening lecture consisted
of a beautifully read and seamless presentation of readings, incorporating
specially selected poetry relevant to the Clan of Tubal Cain. The readings were
given by Shani Oates, herself the Maid of the Clan of Tubal Cain and virtue
holder in direct lineage from Evan John Jones and Roy Bowers, better known as
Robert Cochrane.
This lady and she is a Lady,
has a vast experience within the Craft and the Occult, less than half of which
I know and most of which I cannot share. The Maid is the author of seven
published works, with several more planned and is a contributor to numerous
magazines and journals. The readings which had been chosen with great care,
were all from her own works, both published and those awaiting publication.
The talk which I was honoured
to introduce, was insightful, deep and at times challenging. It began with a
question, what is the Tradition? In an attempt to answer this question, the
Maid by necessity explored the enigma of Robert Cochrane, the origin of and the
importance of Evan John Jones within that Tradition, the place of people and
kin within the Tradition.
The Maid explained in far
greater depth than I can possibly capture here, the place of personal devotion
with the Craft as a Mystery Tradition. Aspects that have an important
historical precedence found with Mithraism, Marionism and other cults, with a
thread that winding by providence through folk-magic, leads us to Her, the
Dame.
Going into greater depth as
the evening progressed, the role of the Priesthood and the place of
heteronormative initiation was explored by way of clarifying the Clan ethos.
There was an emphasis upon the refutation of labels, the Clan is the Clan and
although like many other groups, sharing and recognising influences, the Clan
stands alone, separate and unique. There is only one Clan of Tubal Cain.
To emphasise this, the nature
of the Clan and the meaning of Tradition, there was explanation offered
defining the Covenant as a Sacred Contract, literally a kinship of the people
in a state of grace. Faith is the Children of the Gods and the Clan are
children of the Sun. All points that many will recognise within their own path
and important points for all who are members of any coven, cuveen or coterie.
Yet still containing something inviolate to the Clan itself.
One of the most memorable and
meaningful statements made by our speaker that evening was; “Gnosis is the
self-realisation of one’s own Divinity.” I felt a deep personal resonance
within that statement, it captures something of the great depth and personal
nature of the lecture.
Going deeper yet, the Maid
introduced us to the tripartite representation of Deities within the philosophy
of the Clan of Tubal Cain; Hekate, Hermes and Saturn. Cain the waning, lame
luminary is a representation of Saturn the Father. Hermes is Tubal Cain, in
which the stream of wisdom is preserved and the mediator we are told, of that
internal spark the Promethean Stream.
Moving on, we were given an
insight into elements specific and possibly unique to the Clan of Tubal Cain in
this instance. Looking at Tubal Cain as the Wandering Ancestor, the magister’s
staff of office, topped with his totem and the maxim; “Where the Clan Stang is,
the Clan is.” I have said something similar in relation to our own Hearthstone
and Hearthsword.
Elements of the presentation
were replete with terms, maxims and phraseology, all designed to stimulate the
mind and encourage further study. Art and artifice belong to the Devil, that
patron of the artes. Pan the Allfather, is neither dead nor dying. The
information was cast like pearls of wisdom upon the air and with the acceptance
of the pilgrim, we treasured the moment to share this evening, as a Delphic
Oracle spoke to us in allegory and metaphor.
We were taken on a journey
from annihilation to evolution, from stillness and communion. It was explained
that pacts should be performed and given insight into the Egregore, that heart
and mind of the Clan. Past members remain forever Clan even in death, noting
that we neither command nor summon the ancestors. For it is we who go to them,
they do not come to us. Yet it a Clan teaching, that by knowing both sides of paradise,
at death we are detached from either.
Bringing the evening to an
end, spanning these readings and the exploration of many Clan concepts, we were
reminded that future works would further examine the presented material and the
subject matter therein. Whether Truth is a straight road or a crooked path, we
are reminded that the Fool is a Holy Wanderer. In a search for Holy Sophia the
Midnight Sun, the Seeker hopes to behold the beauty of Her who is beyond words,
in awe.
This lecture like many is but
one step, for we seekers that hope for the Gnosis promised. Like a well
prepared feast, to be fully appreciated; the material needs to be both savoured
and digested. A memorable, thoughtful and intellectual journey, shared by those
who know a pearl when the eyes behold one.
Glen Cottage
https://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/castle-bytham/241061
The Clan of Tubal Cain
http://www.clanoftubalcain.org.uk/
https://clantubalcain.com/the-people-of-goda-the-clan-of-tubal-cain/
The Castle of Castle Bytham
http://www.castleinnbytham.co.uk/
It was a memorable night and one that was thoroughly enjoyed, your words - as ever - do the night wonderful justice, thank you for them and for the reminders of what occurred.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing and painting such lovely pictures and thoughts in my mind and heart, I so wanted to travel across the oceans for this event, but could not make it, I appreciate your words so much Daniel :)
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